From CNN Money: “Working, but Still Poor”

Editor’s Note: In this article from CNN Money, it was reported that millions of Americans currently work up to 70 hours a week and are still not making enough money to support their families. Because of low-paying, minimum wage jobs, many people work two jobs and rely on federal government benefits. The fight for increases in minimum wages continues.

Jemaire Steward, 37, is the sole breadwinner for his wife and two young sons, ages 3 and 1. His work schedule varies between 0 and 70 hours a week as a chef at a casual seafood restaurant in the Washington D.C. area, where he makes $10.10 an hour. He is also on call at other restaurants in hopes of securing another paycheck…

His family receives food stamps and Medicaid and is facing eviction from their one-bedroom apartment in Northeast D.C. He has applied unsuccessfully for jobs at hospitals, hotels and other eateries, hoping to get a higher wage and full-time hours. But employers balk when he asks for $15 an hour, he said.